Brad Cohen

Brad Cohen Tourette Foundation

It is Brad’s goal to make a difference one day at a time. This is why he started the Brad Cohen Tourette Foundation (BCTF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit to help raise money to help children with Tourette syndrome learn how to exist in the real world with others who don’t understand. We support the socialization, achievement, and education of those with Tourette syndrome and the non-profit/tax-exempt organizations that focus on the needs of those with Tourette syndrome.

Front of the Class, the book

As a child with Tourette syndrome, Brad Cohen was ridiculed,
beaten, mocked, and shunned. Children, teachers, and even family
members found it difficult to be around him. As a teen, he was
viewed by many as purposefully misbehaving, even though he had
little power over the twitches and noises he produced, especially
under stress. Even today, Brad is sometimes ejected from movie
theaters and restaurants.

But Brad Cohen's story is not one of self-pity. His unwavering
determination and fiercely positive attitude conquered the
difficulties he faced in school, in college, and while job hunting ...

A Dynamic Speaker Who Fills the Room with Energy and Emotion

"Brad gets up, and all of a sudden you could just sort of feel the energy in the room dialed up about 50 amps,. Shriver said. .I looked up at one point, and half the kids were crying, and the next minute they were rolling on the floor laughing. Eyes were wide open."

"He was describing his life. It was humiliating. I pretty much bombed, and this guy is hitting a grand slam in the World Series. He gets this standing ovation, and the place is going nuts."

Tim Shriver, Chairman of Special Olympics

Front of the Class: The "Hallmark Hall of Fame" movie

FRONT OF THE CLASS, the "Hallmark Hall of Fame" presentation starring Patricia Heaton ("Everybody Loves Raymond"), Treat Williams ("Everwood") and Jimmy Wolk ("The Spiral Project"), will air on CBS Television Networks on February 6, 2010. The drama is based on the true story written by Brad Cohen who, after being challenged by Tourette's syndrome from a very young age, defies all odds to become a gifted teacher. Brad reminds us all that dreams can come true!

Testimonials
"Brad Cohen is a walking billboard for the idea of living positively. He is like a cold drink on a hot day--refreshing, energizing, and likely to put a smile on your face."Tim Shriver - Chairman of Special Olympics

"I have observed the magic of Brad Cohen in the
classroom. He has turned Tourette Syndrome into
an asset, and his life into inspiration."Senator Johnny Isakson, Georgia

"Brad Cohen's story is a triumph of hope,
determination, will and relentless good humor."Peter J. Hollenbeck, Ph.D., Professor and
Associate Head of Biological Sciences,
Purdue University